Our artisans are from all walks of life, young and young at heart.
Interesting facts about Gourds:
Hard-shelled Gourds Gourds,
one of the first cultivated plants throughout the world, have been used
since prehistoric times. They are believed to have originated in Africa
and floating along oceanic current, spread to various parts of the
world. Gourds dating from 10,000 BC have been found in Peru, Mexico,
Asia and Florida. The remarkable number of shapes and sizes in which
gourds grow makes them suitable for many purposes ranging from the
obvious to ingenious. Once dry, the gourd will last as long as any
other wood product. They were primarily used as vessels, containers,
fishing floats, musical instruments, dowry payments, masks, money and
ceremonial objects. Gourds are also decorative. The hard outer skin,
being very much like wood, accepts dye, ink, and paints readily. Local
artists also enjoy adding such enhancements as fibre, beads, burned
designs, and weaving to turn them into beautiful works of art.